#United States #New York #Medicaid #Scalp Cooling #Cooler Heads

Cooler Heads Expands Access to Scalp Cooling Services

Cooler Heads, an innovative company dedicated to helping cancer patients manage the side effects of treatment, recently announced a groundbreaking development in New York's healthcare coverage. Effective April 1, 2026, New York Medicaid will endorse CPT codes 97007, 97008, and 97009, enabling broader access to mechanical scalp cooling services for patients undergoing chemotherapy. This significant policy change marks a critical advancement in the fight against the emotional and physical toll of cancer treatment.

What is Mechanical Scalp Cooling?

Mechanical scalp cooling is a scientifically validated method used to minimize the risk of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (hair loss). This method has been shown to be effective in helping patients maintain their hair during treatment, thus providing a vital psychological boost at a time when many aspects of their lives feel uncontrollable. The treatment works by cooling the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions, constricting blood vessels and thereby reducing the absorption of chemotherapy drugs by hair follicles.

A Step Towards Health Equity

The introduction of these CPT codes into the New York Fee Schedule is particularly significant for patients enrolled in New York Medicaid, as it opens up access to services that were previously limited due to cost barriers. Kate Dilligan, CEO of Cooler Heads, expressed her enthusiasm for this development, stating, "Our consistent commitment from day one has been to make scalp cooling accessible to all patients. Having been a patient myself, I know first hand how important it is to feel as normal as possible going through a health crisis. I am so excited that New York is making this therapy available to patients for whom this would have been out of reach."

Laurie Sandberg, the Vice President of Market Access and Reimbursement at Cooler Heads, reinforced the company's dedication to ensuring that healthcare disparities are addressed. "We are dedicated to ensuring that socioeconomic status is never a barrier to care. This Medicaid coverage milestone is a vital step toward health equity, and we remain committed to collaborating with payers and providers to expand this access nationwide," she explained.

The Impact on Cancer Patients

For many, the emotional and psychological effects of losing hair during treatment can be just as challenging as the physical side effects. By providing greater access to scalp cooling, New York Medicaid's decision could dramatically enhance the quality of life for many cancer patients. Access to such innovative and supportive treatment options can help patients feel more in control during their treatment journey, empowering them to maintain their dignity in the face of adversity.

Cooler Heads has built its mission around supporting individuals facing these challenges. The organization is not only focused on scalp cooling but also offers a range of evidence-based products and services tailored to the needs of cancer patients, including the FDA-cleared Amma™ System, designed to improve the overall treatment experience.

A Future of Hope

As more states evaluate similar coverage options, Cooler Heads demonstrates a model of proactive innovation in patient care, advocating for resources that improve treatment experiences for those battling cancer. With ongoing support from policymakers and healthcare professionals, the goal is to create a system where effective treatments are accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

This development in New York is just the beginning. As auxiliary services like scalp cooling receive the recognition they deserve, cancer patients may face their journeys with more hope, armed with the necessary support to overcome not just the disease, but also its potent side effects. Cooler Heads is committed to leading this charge and ensuring that every patient can access the care they need to navigate their cancer treatment with dignity and grace.